Creating a culture of inclusiveness
Every student has the right to feel safe in their school; and a healthy and safe environment can help every student thrive.
The administration of Gov. Tom Wolf is committed to creating a culture of inclusiveness at all schools, where students are made to feel welcome and valued, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is working with schools and communities to create supportive settings that celebrate diversity and teach the importance of respect for self and others.
When racially-charged incidents occurred in some schools earlier this year, the administration condemned the acts of bigotry and intolerance, and worked quickly to release a 60-second public service announcement to reinforce this message to the public.
PDE’s Office of Safe Schools has partnered with agencies like the Human Relations Commission (PHRC), the Center for Schools and Communities, intermediate units, and others to bolster efforts to ensure schools have resources to foster a positive culture and climate, and to respond to incidents of hate. Among these resources, which PDE has made available online to educators, are a crisis plan template and curriculum guides.
PDE works every day to help schools to meet their mission of keeping students safe by providing resources on issues from combating dating violence to preventing suicide, and in 2016 introduced a toll-free bullying prevention consultation line (1-866-716-0424), which is available to students, parents/guardians, and educators.
Pennsylvania’s diversity is among its greatest strengths and should be embraced. We can’t allow harassment, intimidation, violence, and discrimination to contaminate our schools and communities.
Schools work hard to educate our students and prepare them for future success, and PDE is committed to supporting them to ensure that all students feel safe, valued, and respected.
Pedro A. Rivera
Harrisburg
Editor’s note: Rivera is Pennsylvania’s secretary of education